Lou Williams considered retirement after trade to Hawks

Lou Williams Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Lou Williams admits he considered retirement after trade to Hawks

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/26/21

The Los Angeles Clippers traded Lou Williams to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday in exchange for Rajon Rondo. Williams played for his hometown Hawks from 2012-14 but admitted in an Instagram post that he considered retirement when the Clippers traded him on deadline day.

"I thought about retiring yesterday," Williams wrote. "You give so much to an organization and you wake up and boom, it's no more. Then in true Clipper Nation fashion, I was reminded that my talent and contribution was appreciated, and it made me reflect on what's to come."

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A post shared by Lou Williams (@louwillville)

Despite his disappointment, Williams also said he is excited to rejoin the Hawks and continue his career in his "backyard."

Williams has spent the last four seasons in Los Angeles, where he averaged 19.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 42.6% from the field and 36% from deep — the best stretch of his career.

The 34-year-old has moved around a lot throughout his career, also spending time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets.

In just under 22 minutes per game with the Clippers this season, Williams has averaged 12.1 points on 10.2 shots per contest, his lowest scoring output since 2013-14.

Williams will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020-21 season. It's unclear if he will consider retirement during the offseason.

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